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FAQs

Find answers to common questions about the Strategic Planning for the CSU below.​

Why now?

The CSU is facing new realities and new challenges. The challenges are not unique to the CSU but given our size and scale we feel them acutely, especially as a public system facing significant budgetary constraints. While these challenges are real, they also represent an opportunity for the ​​CSU to develop transformative solutions and lead the way for the nation in delivering the future of higher education. To do this, we need to engage in long-term planning to proactively chart our path forward.

Who are the members of the steering committee?

  • Elizabeth “Betsy" Boyd, chair, Academic Senate of the California State University
  • Marla Carrette, Business Support & Planning Administrator, Capital Planning, Design and Construction
  • Jack Clarke, chair, Board of Trustees
  • Kristin Crellin, chair, CSU Foundation Board of Governors
  • Nathan Dietrich, assistant vice chancellor, Advocacy and State Relations
  • Iese Esera, president, California State Student Association
  • Danielle Garcia, associate vice chancellor & chief of staff to the chancellor, Executive Office
  • Saúl Jiménez Sandoval, president, Fresno State University
  • Julia Lopez, trustee, Board of Trustees
  • Lynn Mahoney, president, San Francisco State University
  • Dilcie Perez, deputy vice chancellor & chief student affairs officer, Academic and Student Affairs
  • John Poli, president, CSU Alumni Council
  • Greg Saks, vice chancellor, External Relations and Communications​

How can I contribute?

We welcome feedback on the plan and process! Review the current opportunities to engage​ and stay tuned for more. ​


What does “America’s new majority” mean? What about stakeholders who don’t fit within this definition?

“America’s new majority” refers to first-generation students, students of color, low-income students and adults seeking brighter futures, i.e., students who have been traditionally underserved by the American higher education system. The CSU remains committed to the success of all students (regardless whether they meet these criteria), and it is critical to the mission and purpose of the CSU that it effectively serves these underserved populations by reducing systemic barriers to accessing and attaining education.  


How does the Strategic Plan align with Graduation Initiative 2025, the Year of Engagement, the Student Success Framework, individual university strategic plans and/or other initiatives?

The systemwide strategic plan is meant to provide a broad, forward-looking road map under which all existing and upcoming university​ strategic plans and initiatives can scaffold. Where appropriate, we will be leveraging feedback, insights and key learnings from active initiatives to avoid duplicating efforts, but the strategic plan is meant to offer systemwide direction and prioritization to which universities and initiatives can align. 


Who represents staff on the Steering Committee?

Committee member Marla Carrette, Business Support & Planning Administrator, Capital Planning, Design and Construction joined the Steering Committee in early December and serves as the staff representative.


Why is it a three-year plan?

The CSU's strategic plan is designed as a three-year plan to prioritize the system's most pressing strategies and ensure actionable progress. While the overarching vision for the CSU is long-term, this plan focuses on delivering near-term results that align with current opportunities and challenges. Given the pace of change in higher education and the broader external environment, a three-year timeline allows the CSU to remain agile, responsive, adaptable, and impactful. This ensures we can address immediate priorities while laying a strong foundation for future success without locking into a framework that may not account for unforeseen developments.

Why do I need to register to share feedback on the engagement platform? 

Registration is required to protect the authenticity of feedback and prevent the use of bots and spam.



For answers to additional questions about the Strategic Planning for the CSU, please send an email to strategicplan​@calstate.edu.​